VISIT SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING SCHÖNBRUNN 2026
Best Time to Visit Schönbrunn Palace | Schönbrunn Visiting Tips
Everything you need to know before visiting Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn is one of Vienna’s top attractions. It is a beautiful palace where the Habsburg family spent their summers. It provides a great example of Austrian architecture. You can also see its meticulously designed gardens and imagine where the royal family liked to relax.
We recommend planning your visit and booking your tickets in advance so you can choose the best date and time that suits you. Check out our selection of Schönbrunn Palace tickets and tours to find the one you like the most. You can enjoy skip-the-line access, expert guides, or a private, personalized experience!
About the Schönbrunn Palace
Schloss Schönbrunn, also called the Schönbrunn Imperial Palace, is a Rococo-style royal palace that was the summer residence of the Habsburg family. It was inspired by Versailles, as the first design of the palace was supposed to rival the French court. That plan was not realized, though, but the palace is still impressive, with 1440 rooms! Schönbrunn became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
The palace gardens were designed at the beginning of the 18th century and redesigned some fifty years later. There was a zoo here called the Schönbrunn Tiergarten, which might be the oldest one in Europe! You can see Neptune’s Fountain, featuring a sculpture of Neptune with a trident in his hand, Roman Ruins, and various other sculptures and fountains. The park is open to the public and stretches over two sq km.
Getting to Schönbrunn
To get to Schönbrunn, you can use the subway. Take line U4 and get off at Schönbrunn. You can also take trams 10 and 60 and exit at Schloss Schönbrunn. Bus line 10A also goes to the palace and stops at Schloss Schönbrunn, too. If you arrive by train at Station Westbahnhof, you can hop on the tram no. 60 and get off at Schloss Schönbrunn. If you are arriving at the airport, you can take the airport bus to Wien Westbahnhof, then tram line 60 (direction – west) and exit at the same stop.
To make it easier, we offer a Schönbrunn Palace Tour with Hotel Pick-up in Vienna, so you don’t have to stress about finding your way in a new city!
Best time to visit Schönbrunn
The best time to visit Vienna is September. Visitors can enjoy a milder climate without the summer heat. Fewer people are around usually, so you can avoid large crowds better. Winter is also a good time to visit. Although it is colder, the Christmas markets open around mid-November.
Must-see in Schönbrunn
The audience chamber
See where the emperor held private audiences.
Emperor Franz Joseph’s study
See where the emperor spent his time reading official documents and photographs of him and his wife, Elizabeth, also known as Sisi.
Royal bedrooms & dressing rooms
Explore the lavish lifestyle of the members of the imperial family and see what Austria considered the height of luxury at the time.
The great gallery
A lavishly decorated Rococo room where you can imagine royal balls taking place.
The carriage museum
See royal carriages, including miniature children’s coaches.
Roman ruin
Located in the gardens, it will make you feel like you have stepped foot into Ancient Rome.
Get the most out of your Schönbrunn Palace visit with our best ticket and tour deals!
Skip-the-line
Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Ticket
Skip the lines at Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens and explore its imperial history and grandeur. See the stunning Baroque architecture, luxurious palace rooms, and extensive gardens. Enjoy exclusive entry to 22 lavishly decorated imperial rooms. Discover the estate's manicured gardens, fountains, and the Gloriette. Learn about the rich history of the Habsburg dynasty and the opulent royal court life of Empress Sisi and Maria Theresa.
Gardens tour included
Schönbrunn Palace Tour with Hotel Pick-up in Vienna
Explore the luxurious hallways and the intricate decorations of the royal residence with a knowledgeable licensed guide. You will skip the line at the entrance with this ticket, saving you time. The tour also includes a visit to the gardens and the courtyards, and you can use headsets inside the palace to hear your guide better. We have also included a convenient pick-up, so you don't have to worry about transportation to the palace!
FAQ - Visit Schönbrunn
Can I take photos in the Schönbrunn Palace?
You can take photos for personal use. Please note that lighting equipment, selfie sticks, and the flash are forbidden. Professional photography requires a permit.Can I use a drone in the Schönbrunn Palace Park?
No, drones are not permitted on the premises.Is the Schönbrunn Palace wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are elevators inside the Palace and parking spaces at the main gate. Accessible toilets are located close to the ticket desk, on the first floor (ask the staff for help), and in the Children's Museum. By showing your ID, you can get a reduced price. Your carer may enter for free if they are included in your ID. Please note that the Privy Garden and its arcade, the Maze viewing platform, and the Gloriette terrace only have stair access.How long does it take to explore the Schönbrunn Palace?
It takes about 3-5 hours if you wish to really experience the palace and walk at a relaxed pace. If you are short on time, don't miss the state rooms and the Grand Gallery, and give yourself some time for a stroll in the gardens.Can I leave my backpack in Schönbrunn?
Backpacks, umbrellas, and other bulky items (except mobility aids used for medical reasons) must be left in the cloakroom.Can I bring food and drinks to Schönbrunn?
Food and drinks are not permitted in the display rooms, but you are allowed to carry a resealable water bottle. You don't have to worry about food with our Schönbrunn Palace Entry Ticket with Lunch. You can enjoy a delicious meal and then continue exploring.Schönbrunn DOs & DON’Ts
DO go for a walk in the gardens
Don’t just focus on the palace, although we completely understand if you do. The gardens are meticulously maintained and are a work of art with sculptures and fountains. Go for a nice, relaxing walk and see where royal families liked to unwind. Visit the Privy Garden, the Orangery Garden, and the Maze. Enjoy views of the palace’s exterior from the garden paths.
DON’T talk loudly inside the palace
Out of respect for other visitors, don’t make too much noise and talk loudly on the phone.
DO sit down at one of the restaurants or cafes after a palace visit
Stop at Schönbrunner Schloßcafé for breakfast, Viennese cakes, and pastries. There is also the Cafe Gloriette, Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker café-restaurant with homemade pastries, Schönbrunner Stöckl – Restaurant & Dinner theater, and more.
DON’T forget a souvenir
There are eight stores on the premises. You can buy a small souvenir, a nice bottle of wine, and a lot more.
Make your day at Schönbrunn unforgettable with one of our best tours!
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A tour of the Palace and its gardens
Schönbrunn Palace Imperial Tour
Skip the lines and visit the 22 most important rooms in Schönbrunn Palace. Join a small group tour and explore highlights like the Great Gallery, The Millions Room, the Lantern Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Hunting Room. See Empress Maria Theresa and Sisi's lavishly decorated private rooms. Your guide will share exciting stories about Emperor Franz Joseph and the Habsburg royal family's luxurious lifestyle. Walk through the landscaped gardens, and visit the Gloriette for beautiful views of the palace and the city.
Personalized & flexible tour option
Schönbrunn Palace Private Tour
Experience a VIP private tour of Schönbrunn Palace with a professional guide. Enjoy a personalized journey through the palace's beautifully decorated rooms and gardens with dedicated attention. Learn about the palace's rich history and hear interesting stories about the Habsburg dynasty, Empress Maria Theresa, and Empress Sisi. Relax in the manicured gardens, explore the Roman Ruins, and visit the Gloriette for panoramic views of the palace and Vienna. Discover the beauty and history that make Schönbrunn unforgettable.